Abstract:
Energy poverty, defined as households' inability to secure essential energy services, remains a major social challenge in Europe, particularly in Eastern countries. In 2022, 9.3% of the EU population could not maintain adequate home temperatures, with significantly higher rates in states like Bulgaria (22.5%) and Romania (15,2%). The Republic of Moldova faces extreme vulnerability due to high energy import dependency (83% of consumption) and low purchasing power; prior to government interventions from 2021–2024, approximately 89% of households were in energy poverty. This article comparatively analyzes policies in the Republic of Moldova and Central and Eastern European countries, evaluating the effectiveness of short-term measures (compensations, subsidies) and structural reforms (energy efficiency, housing renovation, diversification). Based on statistical data and public policy reports, recommendations for public policies are formulated. JEL: Q48, I32, I38
Description:
BALAN, Aliona. Capitolul 52. Reducerea sărăciei energetice în Republica Moldova: abordări comparate și politici publice = Chapter 52. Reducing Energy Poverty in the Republic of Moldova: Comparative Approaches and Public Policies. Online. In: Dezvoltarea economico-socială durabilă a euroregiunilor și a zonelor transfrontaliere: Lucrările în cadrul celei de a 21-a ediții a conferinței internaționale, Iași, România, 24-25 octombrie 2025. Coord.: C. I. ALECU, M. DONCEAN, D. T. JIJIE, M. S. CUCIUREANU. Cluj-Napoca: Presa Universitară Clujeană, 2026, vol. 50, pp. 521-529. ISSN 2971-8740; ISSN– L 2971– 8740.